My Favourite Romantic Films of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as romance. Since the 1980’s, the genre has produced strong movies. Whether it’s bookstore owners, pretty women prostitutes or star-crossed lovers, the genre has produced several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest romantic movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother acknowledging the author in English literature. Admiring Jane Austen, she loved discussing a legendary author earning appreciation. Romantic relationships have always been central themes in books written by an author that’s iconic. Few films I’ve seen have honoured an author publishing romantic stories without prejudice as powerfully as “Pride & Prejudice”. Following its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest romantic film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Wright did extraordinary jobs adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved literary classic about lives of sisters facing despair. Wright has often had an aptitude for adapting legendary literature on the big-screen, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wright effectively used montages capturing the lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about ruining her sister’s chances of marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Keira Knightley, who embodied the most iconic heroine in Jane Austen’s literature effectively. Ultimately, what makes “Pride & Prejudice” my favourite romantic film of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. It delivers a groundbreaking message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women developing romance facing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre making movies about romance that deserve immense appreciation.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. At an early age, I bonded with a brother that had immense knowledge about a sad shipwreck that caused damage. He was often interested in becoming educated about a sad disaster he appreciated.  In 1997, James Cameron honoured the tragic shipwreck in his iconic film “Titanic”. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used bold cinematic techniques to capture lovers on doomed ships that faced despair. Cameron used great special effects to capture lovers with social class tension torn apart on a ship that’s deteriorating. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose face tension being torn apart from each other as the ship begins sinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great roles from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who portrayed lovers torn apart by social class. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a classic period piece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about disasters which will resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, its a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has produced commemorated movies about romance which created a legacy that’s undeniably iconic.

3. Notting Hill

Julia Roberts is a fantastic actress that my father has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that loved movies made by an actress with courage. A huge fan of Julia Roberts, he often spoke fondly about an actress impacting his identity. Through his acknowledgements for Julia Roberts, my father inspired me to make dreams come true. My father adored all the movies Julia Roberts made, but his favourite film was always “Notting Hill”. Released in 1999, Roger Michell’s movie has stood the test of time as a romantic classic. Mitchell has always had an eye for capturing romances, and his strengths came through in “Notting Hill”. For instance, the scene in which Anna conveys affection for Will saying she’s just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her is one of the best moments of the romantic genre. Ultimately, what makes “Notting Hill” a commemorated masterpiece is the performances. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are both extraordinary, creating a romance that’s believable. The actor share strong chemistry together creating a romantic relationship that is realistic. An unforgettable portrait of uphill battles experienced by committed celebrities with dreams to fulfill seeking romance in Notting Hill, its a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has never lost its abilities to commonly thrill.

4. La La Land

Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. I remember forming a friendship with a girl in school that sought to become a famous actress. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a girl that I would always admire. However, her intense focus on pursuing an acting career caused our relationship to end in despair. Few films I’ve seen have captured sacrifices of achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece captured lovers pursuing careers in L.A. Chazelle used captivating musical montages to capture a musician with love for performing jazz music. For instance, the scene in which Sebastian has a tense argument with Mia about his career as a jazz musician causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Emma Stone, who embodied an actress facing a dilemma. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Los Angeles, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about sacrifices involved in achieving dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are definitely worth celebrating unquestionably today.

5. Bright Star

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the romantic affairs of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing a legendary poet engaging in a romance with a woman that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies audiences appreciate.

6. Before Sunrise

Few filmmakers in Hollywood have made romantic movies audiences treasure like Richard Linklater. With their realistic themes, strong storytelling and powerful acting, Linklater’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 1995, Linklater showcased his strength for making romantic movies that surprise in his movie “Before Sunrise”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Before Sunrise” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Linklater used captivating naturalistic dialogue to capture the bonds between a pair of lovers that are engaging. Assisted by Ethan Hawke who is extraordinary in the lead role, Linklater created a compelling romance. A beautiful portrait of bonds between lovers before sunrise, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which commonly surprise.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Memory loss is a painful process causing stress. Recently, I witnessed my aging grandmother losing her memory. She would forget about certain people, places and events in her life which were important. As someone that witnessed a grandmother losing memories in her spotless mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Michel Gondry’s movie captured memory loss causing romantic relationships to face tragedy. Gondry uses captivating montages capturing a pair of lovers forgetting about one another. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is amazing in the lead role, Gondry created a captivating romance about memory loss.  A powerful portrait of memory loss in the mind causing romance to be declined, it’s a strong reminder about a genre that has made memorable movies which have left a lasting legacy behind.

8. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a legendary romantic book that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about larger-than-life romantic relationships which audiences consider precious.

9. Past Lives

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. However, immigration brought our bonds to a closure. As someone treasuring memories of childhood crushes I left behind in past lives, I adored “Past Lives”. Released in 2023, Celine Song’s magnificent Korean masterpiece captured childhood lovers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Past Lives” stand out is its depiction of childhood love. Song uses captivating flashbacks capturing a pair of Korean lovers torn apart by immigration that’s frustrating. Assisted by Greta Lee who is amazing in the lead role, Song created a captivating Korean romance. As strong as Nora’s love for Korea, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.

10. 500 Days of Summer

Few movies ever made about romantic relationships facing disaster are as beloved as “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Marc Webb’s movie captured a doomed love affair facing tragedy. Webb used montages capturing hardships a smitten man in doomed affairs is facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is superb in the lead role, Webb created a captivating modern-day romance. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of romantic relationships that face tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Tom’s desire to find a girl that’s romantic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about lovers that are tragic which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.